Fiorello! launched the Encores! musical theater series in 1994. It tells the story of Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia's rise from an immigrant's son to the feisty congressman whose guts and determination to fight corruption brought down the crooked Tammany Hall political machine. (He's also the man singularly responsible for saving City Center from the wrecking ball and transforming it into Manhattan's first performing arts center.)

As the show begins, Republican District Leader Ben Marino (Shuler Hensley) hasn't had a winning candidate in years - until Fiorello LaGuardia steps in. LaGuardia (Danny Rutigliano) falls in love with Thea (Kate Baldwin), a feisty union organizer. Thea's best friend Dora (Jenn Gambatese) falls in love with a none-too-smart cop (Jeremy Bobb). And LaGuardia's office manager, Marie (Erin Dilly) has been in love with her boss for years. Mitzi (Emily Skinner) performs for Tammany Hall cronies. Everything changes when LaGuardia runs for congress and wins the election.